Best Day Care Centres in Melbourne
By: Katie Oliveira da Silveira, ellaslist
When the time comes to consider childcare for your child, there are myriad factors to way up. Cost, location, how they cater to different needs are all factors that can weigh heavily on parents’ minds and make the process of choosing a centre a daunting one. With this in mind, we’ve done some of the leg work for you and put together a list of Melbourne’s top-rated day care centres, all of which have received an ‘excellent’ rating by national standards.
Clarendon Children’s Centre
This well-known inner-Melbourne childcare centre has a big focus on meeting the needs of individual children. The day includes indoor and outdoor play, morning and afternoon tea breaks, sleep or quiet time, group learning experiences, stories and lunch sessions.
There are a maximum of 40 places available per day, and the Clarendon Children’s Centre accepts children from the age of six weeks to five years. There is the option of full-time or part-time care here, and while there is no minimum number of days required, the centre encourages booking at least two days so that kids can immerse comfortably into the program.
Where: 410 Clarendon St, South Melbourne
Cost: $110 daily
More info: see the website
Source:
Gowrie Victoria – Harbour Family and Children’s Centre
With a focus on play-based learning, Gowrie Victoria works on the educational cornerstones of ‘belonging’, ‘being’, and ‘becoming,’ and provides children with an environment that is nurturing, stimulating and flexible.
Gowrie Victoria has numerous rooms allocated to various age groups, and there is a fabulous shared outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.
This centre, based in Melbourne’s Docklands, is one of three Gowrie Victoria centres in Melbourne. Children from the age of six weeks up until kindergarten age are welcome to attend this childcare centre on either a part-time or full-time basis between the hours of 8am and 6pm. Children are required to attend Harbour Family & Children’s Centre for a minimum of two days per week.
Where: 1 Seafarer Ln, Docklands
Cost: $127 per day
More info: see the website
Jindi Woraback Children’s Centre
At Jindi Woraback Children’s Centre you will find holistic and personalised childcare. There is a big focus here on nurturing the unique elements of every child through play-based learning and organised activities.
A portofolio is prepared for each child that attends the Jindi Woraback centre, which includes observations, stories, interests and accomplishments. This is a brilliant way of connecting parents with the activities their children are undertaking and the personal growth they experience.
The centre is open from 7am until 6pm Monday to Friday and provides all meals to children from breakfast through to and including supper.
Where: Victoria University St Albans Campus, Building 12, University Blvd, St Albans
Cost: $100 per day
More info: see the website
Little Beacons Learning Centre
The Little Beacons Learning Centre provides childcare and early learning for kids aged from birth to five years. It has a holistic approach to learning and embraces the benefits of outdoor play, good health and a modern education.
There is a big focus here on preparing kids for the school years. Kids are encouraged to ask questions and grow in a healthy environment that doesn’t over stimulate.
The centre caters for 160 children and has purpose-built facilities on the Pakenham campus of Beaconhills College. It is open from 7am until 6pm Monday to Friday.
Where: 84 Toomuc Valley Rd, Pakenham
Cost: $112 per day
More info: see the website
Doveton College Early Learning Centre
Doveton College ELC has a strong focus on play-based learning, and proudly exceeds the minimum number of educators required in any group. it has earned itself an excellent reputation for providing outstanding childcare to Melbourne families.
This centre caters for kids up until to school age, and provides not only first-rate care, but fundamental learning opportunities for each and every child.
The portfolio system is used at Doveton College ELC; it is each child’s individual record of their experience at the centre, and a wonderful way for educators and parents to communicate. The centre is open from 7am – 6pm Monday to Friday
Where: 62 Tristania St, Doveton
Cost: children up to three years $75 per day, children aged three to four years $70 per day
More info: see the website
Note: These centres received an ‘excellent’ rating in accordance with the National Quality Standard in 2016.
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